France Allocates 253 MWp in Quiet Rooftop Solar Tender

• France’s latest rooftop PV tender awarded 253 MWp, falling short of 300 MW due to undersubscription, yet paving the way for ambitious future renewable energy goals.

France recently conducted its eighth rooftop photovoltaic (PV) tender, awarding 253 MWp of capacity, which fell short of the initial target of 300 MW due to undersubscription. A total of 72 projects were selected, marking an increase from 50 proposals awarded in the previous tender, which accounted for 180 MWp. The average price offered by winners decreased slightly to EUR 99.95 (USD 105.4) per MWh from EUR 100.7/MWh in the last round.

Technique Solaire emerged as the largest beneficiary, securing 59 MWp, followed by Urbasolar and Sunrock with 39.9 MWp and 21.1 MWp, respectively. Following this round, France closed bidding for its ninth rooftop PV tender, aiming for 400 MW of projects, with three additional rounds scheduled for 2025, targeting a total of 1,200 MW.

What were the outcomes and implications of France's latest rooftop PV tender?

Outcomes and Implications of France's Latest Rooftop PV Tender

• Awarded Capacity: The eighth rooftop PV tender in France successfully awarded 253 MWp, which, despite being a positive step, was below the anticipated target of 300 MW. This reveals a potential disconnect between government ambitions and market interest.
• Increase in Project Selection: A total of 72 projects were selected in this round, indicative of an upward trend compared to the previous tender, which awarded only 50 projects. This suggests a growing interest from developers in the rooftop solar market, despite some challenges.
• Price Trend: The average price of winning bids saw a slight decline to EUR 99.95 (USD 105.4) per MWh from EUR 100.7 (USD 106.9) in the prior tender. The reduction in average price could signal increased competition among developers and efficiency improvements in project financing and installation.
• Leading Participants: Technique Solaire emerged as the most successful company in this tender, securing a substantial 59 MWp. This success indicates a strong market positioning and expertise in deploying rooftop PV solutions. Urbasolar and Sunrock followed, reflecting a competitive landscape among established players.
• Closure of Next Tender Bidding: Immediately after the eighth tender, France closed the bidding for its ninth rooftop PV tender, which has set a higher target of 400 MW. This ambitious goal may attract more bidders and stimulate further development in the domestic solar market.
• Future Tender Plans: The French government has planned an additional three rounds of rooftop PV tenders for 2025, with an overall target of 1,200 MW. This long-term strategy underscores France's commitment to enhancing solar energy capacity, aligning with EU renewable energy targets.
• Implications for Renewable Energy Goals: The outcomes of this tender have implications for France’s broader renewable energy objectives, as falling short of targets may hinder progress towards achieving national and international climate commitments.
• Market Signals: The undersubscription and lower awarded capacity could signal to both the government and market stakeholders the need for further incentives, policy support, or potential reforms to attract a wider array of participants in future tenders.
• Innovation and Technology Deployment: The results may prompt advancements in technology and innovation within the solar industry to improve project feasibility and attract a more diverse range of participants, potentially including smaller and emerging companies.
• Economic and Employment Opportunities: The growth in rooftop PV projects can create local jobs in installation, maintenance, and related services, contributing positively to the economy, especially in the context of France's post-COVID recovery strategy.
• Environmental Benefits: With more rooftop solar installations, there is potential for significant reductions in carbon emissions, which is crucial for France's pledge to mitigate climate change and transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Overall, the outcomes of this tender highlight both the successes and challenges faced in France's pursuit of expanding its renewable energy landscape, revealing areas for improvement and additional focus in future tenders.